Depressing or useful? ‘Dating’ app encourages couples to communicate more (via their smartphones)

There are plenty of ways to get together with someone via technology these days (and a growing number of products incorporating it into our sex lives), so it might seem like a natural step for someone to invent an app designed to help those already in a relationship get to know each other.

Happy Couple is a free app that springs five questions a day (from six different topics, such as Emotional and Responsibilities) on each partner about the other, much like the Mr & Mrs games played at hen parties.

The premise is that communication is key and by having to spend a few minutes every day answering questions on your other half, regular interaction is forced as you discuss the ones you got right and wrong.

What were the other possible answers? “I am not happy for him, I hate him and his stupid job”

While it might seem redundant to be encouraging communication via yet another app on a device invented for communication, Happy Couple claims to help you “discover what your partner really thinks.”

Though not by actually talking to them in person. According to glamour.com, the quiz-style game includes questions such as “What are so-and-so's feelings about monogamy?” which is something you might hope you'd know the answer to already if you're in a relationship with that person.

Like some other couple apps, it also offers daily tips and activity suggestions.

Arguably, most of the benefits – a simple icebreaker for new couples, better understanding in longer relationships, regular communication, the broaching of difficult subjects – could be achieved by the old-fashioned method of talking to your partner.

And there's plenty to commend staying off your devices for a bit, not least this photo series pointing out how pervasive they are by removing them from everyday scenes.

“Stop looking at me in real life, John, we’re supposed to be connecting on a deeper level here”

As something promoting itself as a way to “stay connected”, we’d also question the point of the messaging tool for you to talk about each other's answers, rather than using them as a springboard for a real-life chat, but the testimonials from couples on the website seem to agree that it promotes “interaction”, albeit not interaction in person.

So, a damning comment on the state of the human race or a logical step reflecting the growing significance of our smartphones? Cast your vote…